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Hubby and I are now debating whether we should take a train from Christchurch to Greymouth and then hire a car at Greymouth for our trip to the glaciers and then return via train as well.

Whats the road from Christchurch to Greymouth like?

Last year we drove from Te Anu to Milford and I hated it. Im a city driver and I hated the one lane road, no places to pull over to let others pass and felt really stressed by speeding drivers even though I was doing the speed limit they kept pushing me to drive faster. I dont want a repeat of this for Christchurch to Greymouth

The trans alpine train from chch to greymouth is a great trip and awesome scenery. Especially in the snow. Given your experience with NZ roads I would suggest the train as you will enjoy it so much more.

you could also travel by bus or coach, the price is considerably less than either flying or train. the road takes in some majestic scenery, but does not suffer from the same congestion you referred to on the milford sound Rd. What time of the year are you considering to travel?

what time of the day does your plane arrive into christchurch? there is a coach which leave chch airport about 3 pm, you could travel to greymouth, sta the night then rent the car and travel to glaciers at your leisure including shopping in Hokitika

In my opinion the most spectacular bit of Arthurs Pass is fro AP village to Otira. By rail this is in a tunnel. The view is not great LOl.

If you are a reasonably attentive driver, there are no safety issues. (Carry chains July/August but it is unlikely you will need them) If you don't fancy the drive, take a bus. Before overcoming a phobia about small planes I drove this road most months. I never had an issue.